JACK DEWITT
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Have 'Breakfast with the Legislators' on Wednesday
Jacklin legacy cemented with new sculpture
Finds home near family's farm museum
The Patriot Bar holding Grand Opening
Coeur d'Alene welcomes the Patriot Bar
5th Canyon trail improvements to be completed Saturday
Post Falls, St. Vincent de Paul team up to help people with utility bills
Post Falls, St. Vincent de Paul team up to help people with utility bills
Templin's to close hotel for upgrades
Marina 33 will remain open
Trojan pride shines at homecoming
Miss Idaho Elite advocates for 'giving the gift of life'
Pageant winner shares kidney donation experience
OCT NIBJ: Idaho Maple's sweet success
In 2019, while on a family vacation to New England, Carmel Abblitt spent less than $10 on two small, antique cast iron tree taps. Later in 2020, she lightly tapped them into the family Maple tree in her backyard.
CDA School District warns of K-Tech cuts
Residents will vote on the levy on Nov. 3
Fast Five: Kady Aamot
Record-setting 'Doctor Fish' caught in Lake Coeur d'Alene
Rathdrum girl hooks tench measuring 20.5 inches
Post Falls girl crowned Miss Idaho Jr. Preteen Queen
Headed to Florida for nationals
Post Falls mother Anna Fields could barely describe the feeling of watching her daughter, Emberlyn, be crowned Miss Idaho Junior Preteen Queen at the 2026 National American Miss Pageant in Bellevue on Labor Day weekend. Alongside the crown, Emberlyn won a prize package and a $128,000 scholarship to Midland University.
Idaho's marksmen to display talents at weekend competition
Idaho's marksmen to display talents at weekend competition
'American Revolution' comes to Post Falls
North Idaho welcomes new SAR chapter
Post Falls will welcome the first and, currently, the only North Idaho chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution today during the Treaty Rock Chapter’s first meeting at 6 p.m. at Mountain West Bible Church.
PF council OKs $3.1M water reclamation project
Second phase pegged at $40M
City council voted to unanimously approve an Guaranteed Maximum Price agreement with Apollo Inc. in regard to the upgrade and expansion of solids handling at the water reclamation facility in Post Falls on Tuesday. The GMP agreement will have the city pay $2,327,085.95 to Apollo Inc. for Project 1 of its water reclamation facility’s upgrades. The total estimated cost is $3,136,997.95, including preconstruction services and equipment costs, among others.
Current, former Cd'A firefighters restore century-old fire truck
Current, former, Cd'A firefighters restore century-old fire truck
102 years ago, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department purchased an American Lafrance fire truck. At the time, the 1000 gallons/min pump was the biggest pump west of the Mississippi River, according to the truck's restorers, retired CFD Lt. Kirk Marshall and current CFD Engineer and Paramedic Kellen McKiernan. Now, thanks to the hard work from Marshall and McKiernan, that 102-year-old American Lafrance not only looks, but runs just as good as it did 100 years ago.
NIBCA honors Parade of Homes submissions during awards ceremony
NIBCA honors Parade of Homes submissions during awards ceremony
Cd'A ceremony recalls heroism of firefighters on 9/11
Cd'A ceremony recalls heroism of firefighters on 9/11
New early childhood ed center planned for Post Falls
Goddard school owners say key aspect is critical thinking
Following a recent groundbreaking, Post Falls’ Goddard School is taking shape. The early childhood education center is offering parents educational freedom and teaching children not what to think, but “how to think.” “That’s really what I think early education should be about,” said co-owner Sara Carson.
Post Falls Planning and Zoning approves annexation of 'commercial node'
Approved property is 'exactly' what planning and zoning is looking for
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the annexation and zoning of a 3.04-acre piece of land to be used for a gas station and convenience store located on the northeast corner of Prairie Ave. and N Chase Rd. during a regular session on Tuesday. The proposal will come before the City Council for final approval at a future meeting.
Post Falls police chief against banning ALPRs
Hints there could be serious repercussions
Conversation around Flock, ALPRs, and their data is at an all-time high. Proponents tout the technology's investigative capabilities, while opponents warn of expanding public surveillance and technological limits. Many are calling for an outright ban on ALPR technology, but Post Falls Police Chief Mark Brantl said such a decision could have serious repercussions.
Super 1 doubles down on Post Falls
Breaks ground on second store scheduled to open next year
Super 1 Vice President Randy McIntire smiled when he was asked if he felt he had come full circle by opening a new store in Post Falls. “Nobody ever thought it would come to this, the size of the business, but it’s been really nice,” he said.
A fair to remember
Record attendance, charitable giving among highlights
171,362 people attended the North Idaho State Fair this year, their highest attendance ever. “Whether it’s a record setting year or not, anytime we can create an event to this scale and see people really enjoying the work that we do, it feels really special,” said Alexcia Jordan, CEO and General Manager of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
Post Falls hears argument against kratom
Kratom was involved in four deaths in Kootenai County in 2025. In one of those deaths, it was the only substance involved, Kootenai County Coroner Duke Johnson revealed during a Kratom presentation to Post Falls City Council on Tuesday.
Idaho peels away from tabs
Registration stickers no longer required
The days of white knuckling the steering wheel while hoping the police officer behind you doesn’t notice your expired registration tabs are over. With the passage of HB 533 in February, and having taken effect on July 1, Idaho motorists are no longer required to display registration tabs on the corner of their license plates, nor will they receive them from the state.
Montrose Sports Complex phase one near completion
Commissioner: More adult baseball fields needed
The Parks and Recreation and Urban Forestry Commission met Tuesday to provide feedback on the second phase of the Montrose Sports Complex project, which is still under development.
Burgers, ice cream and a leap of faith
30-day gamble turns into business success at the North Idaho State Fair
Jennifer Temple and Kris Larcher have been operating their first fair restaurant, That Burger Place, since 2021, after they were offered the booth after impressing fairgrounds staff while catering a previous event. Neither Temple or Larcher had experience running a restaurant. “We took a huge, long shot and put it together,” Larcher said.
North Idaho leaders seek stronger voice in statehouse decisions
'Council of Mayors' holds first meeting
A group of state and local legislators gathered for breakfast and coffee at the inaugural “Council of Mayors” meeting in an effort to open communication and have discussions around legislation in Idaho at Kindred Coffee Co. in Post Falls on Tuesday.
ATC breaks ground on 'gamechanger' expansion project
ATC Manufacturing broke ground on its expansion project at its Post Falls Facility located on N Lean St on Tuesday. The project will expand their facility by 57,365 sq. ft. and “could double” their workforce capacity, according to project officials.
Northern Lakes Fire District board approves levy proposal
The Northern Lakes Fire Protection Board announced the approval of a two-year $4.5 million temporary levy proposal according to a Tuesday press release. The proposed two-year, temporary property tax levy rate is projected to increase to $99.26 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, a $5.88 increase from the current $93.38 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.
Former senator argues for end of Idaho property tax
Cites fiscal discipline as part of solution
Former Idaho State Sen. Scott Herndon delivered a pointed critique of Idaho state property taxes during a recent public address at the Highlands Golf Course Grill and Taphouse on Friday.
SEPT NIBJ: Meeting people where they are: North Idaho's evolving approach to addiction care
In the medical landscape of North Idaho, those who suffer with substance abuse disorder can be left to the wayside. Distrust, judgement and suspicion can cloud the care that they receive, and can even be a roadblock in their journey to sobriety.
3Cs donates over $135,000 to local causes
3Cs donates over $135,000 to local causes
Dozens of local organizations and charities received donations from the 3Cs organization during their Annual Appreciation Luncheon at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn on Friday. Highlighted by a performance from the 3Cs own Golden Solez, the event brought together over 200 people for an afternoon of charitable giving. The 3Cs gave over $137,000 to 28 organizations from across North Idaho, representing numerous causes from Alzheimer’s care to adult literacy.
Sea lions, snakes and some 'good ol'fashioned family fun'
Nelson Garcia had a giant smile on his face when he brought Stella, Gouda and Kitty, three sea lions, out to their pool to practice for their first day of performances on Thursday for the North Idaho State Fair’s opening night.
Flying Pickle opens 24-court community hub in Post Falls
Flying Pickle opens 24-court community hub in Post Falls
For several months of the year, Pickleball players have to put their desire to play on hold because of outdoor conditions or jump through hoops to reserve court time or find an open gym. But not any longer.
Post Falls OKs 7% tax hike
Mayor offers 'Plan to Save Local Government'
The Post Falls City Council voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund budget with no added conditions on Tuesday evening. Approved unanimously, the budget includes a 4% property tax increase, alongside a one-time 3% foregone capital increase, totaling a 7% increase for fiscal year 2027.
Westlund warns of major deficit
Says tax revenue not keeping up with costs
Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund took to social media to publish a plan to streamline local government on Monday and is currently seeking public feedback before bringing it before council for formal adoption in the future.
Road projects upset some motorists; officials explain why they’re needed
Road projects upset some motorists; officials explain why they’re needed
If you haven’t noticed, it’s construction season in northern Idaho. Whether it’s Interstate 90, neighborhoods in Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls or even the Silver Valley countryside, motorists often struggle to avoid delays, detours or complete road closures marked by orange traffic cones.
Les Schwab creates special moment for Post Falls youth
Les Schwab creates special moment for Post Falls youth
The Post Falls Boys and Girls club could barely wait for members of the Spokane Velocity FC to arrive at the grand opening event of the new Les Schwab Tires located at 1656 N. Nicholson Center on Friday.
FAST FIVE: Stephen Durfee continues life of service
Strawberry growers learn, laugh and share at Lunceford Farm
Strawberry growers learn, laugh and share at Lunceford Farm
Around 20 strawberry growers from the North American Strawberry Growers Association strolled the green strawberry field at Lunceford Family Farms on Seltice Way in Coeur d’Alene as part of their summer farm tour on Wednesday.
Liberty Lake district disputes sewer connection denial
Says it could lead to negative impacts on Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer
The Liberty Lake Water and Sewer District announced its concern over a recent Spokane County Building and Planning Department decision to deny a LLWSD request to connect an approved, eight-parcel rural cluster located in on Wyvern Lane in Liberty Lake to the public sewer system via a press release on Tuesday.
Vintage wooden boats drop anchor in Coeur d’Alene this weekend
Vintage wooden boats drop anchor in Coeur d’Alene this weekend
Around 50 hand-crafted, classic and antique wooden boats will be on display this weekend at the Coeur d’Alene Antique and Classic Boat Festival at the Hagadone Boardwalk Marina, giving residents the chance to see some of the rarest classic and antique boats in the country on display.
Post Falls considering property tax hike
Budget hearing slated next week
Among cities like Meridian, Boise and Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls joins the growing list of Idaho cities to discuss raising property taxes during a 2027 general budget workshop on Tuesday.
DEQ forecasts continued haze
Fires in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, in combination with weather conditions, have proliferated heavy smoke across the North Idaho sky for several weeks, affecting air quality for thousands of Idaho residents, a trend that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality forecasts will continue.
KEC officials determine cause of Sunday outage
Officials have determined that a fallen tree caused a Kootenai Electric Cooperative outage on Sunday. The outage primarily affected customers in Hayden and lasted approximately two hours before service was restored around 4 p.m.
Post Falls to workshop 2027 budget
Post Falls City Council will meet tonight at 5 p.m. at city hall for a special workshop session dedicated to the process of finalizing the city’s 2027 budget.
Athol Daze showcases pride, history, family
The hazy pink sunrise brought out a big crowd at the annual Athol Daze Parade on Saturday morning as well over 300 Athol residents lined E Highway 45 to watch parade floats, cars and horses.
Post Falls council OKs housing project
Some residents voice concerns design may not be compatible with neighborhood
Dozens of concerned neighbors, families and friends filled the city council chamber on Tuesday as city council met for a public hearing in regard to a special use permit for a 2.6-acre lot located near the Cherry Addition neighborhood.